Industrial stormwater

Industrial stormwater primarily refers to rainwater that has come into contact with industrial activities and surfaces. Recycling facilities are an example of an industry where pollutants, such as dissolved metals, may be present in stormwater. Industrial stormwater differs from regular stormwater, particularly in terms of the types of pollutants it contains, as these are influenced by the specific activities taking place within the area.

Irregular flow rates

Just like regular stormwater, the flow of industrial stormwater can vary depending on precipitation and weather conditions. Since industrial areas are often large and water collects on many different surfaces, the flow may be concentrated in certain areas while being more dispersed in others.

Varying pollution impact and concentrations

Pollutants in industrial stormwater can originate from many different sources within the industrial area and often include chemicals, oils, and solvents from production processes. Since the water runs off large surfaces, these pollutants mix, making it difficult to precisely define all the sources. Additionally, the concentration of pollutants varies depending on the ongoing industrial activity. During certain periods, levels of dissolved metals or organic chemicals may be higher, while they may be lower at other times. This means that industrial stormwater often requires more intensive treatment before it can be discharged.

Read about the Bo Altenstam project, where we handled challenging industrial stormwater with good results.